Which Ultrasound Specialty Is Right for You? Exploring ARDMS® Certification Pathways and How Prepry Can Help
- Jenna Laquerre, BS, RT (R), RDMS (PS, AB, OB/GYN, BR), RVT
- 22 hours ago
- 5 min read
Ultrasound has revolutionized healthcare by offering real-time, non-invasive imaging that supports faster diagnosis, safer monitoring, and better patient care. But did you know there are multiple ultrasound specialties you can become certified in through ARDMS®?
Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to expand your professional toolkit, the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography® (ARDMS) offers several credential pathways geared to different areas of the body—and different kinds of clinical work. Let’s explore these options and see how Prepry’s registry review tools can support your success every step of the way.
🌟 Why Specialize in Ultrasound?
Ultrasound is anything but one-size-fits-all. As a sonographer, choosing a specialty allows you to explore deeper into a specific area—like high-risk obstetrics, pediatric imaging, or musculoskeletal assessment. Some specialties offer fast-paced emergency imaging, while others are more detail-oriented, like fetal echocardiography.
Specialists often describe their roles as more meaningful because of how closely they collaborate with physicians and patients. Whether you want to help detect congenital anomalies, diagnose vascular disorders, or assess joint injuries, there's a path that aligns with your interests.
With Prepry’s specialty-specific registry prep tools, you can feel confident walking into your ARDMS exam—because you’ve studied with the most relevant, exam-style content available.
🩺 RDMS®: Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
The RDMS credential is a go-to for sonographers who want to specialize in general, OB/GYN, or pediatric imaging. It includes several focused exams, each of which requires passing the SPI exam plus the corresponding specialty exam.
➤ Abdomen (AB)
This exam includes liver, pancreas, gallbladder, kidneys, spleen, aorta, and "small parts" like the thyroid and testicles. Sonographers in this field love the variety.
You may assist with biopsies, assess trauma, or track complex diseases. Those who pass the Abdomen exam often describe it as challenging but rewarding, as it demands a strong grasp of anatomy, pathology, and Doppler techniques.
✅ Prepry’s Abdomen Review includes image-rich questions and pathology-based quizzes that simulate the real exam environment.
➤ Breast (BR)
Breast ultrasound is a highly useful diagnostic tool used alongside mammography and MRI. It plays a role in evaluating breast masses, guiding biopsies, and monitoring patients with dense tissue or a high-risk history.
Many breast sonographers find their work incredibly meaningful—they're often the first to detect suspicious lesions and provide reassurance or initiate life-saving care.
✅ Prepry’s Breast Review focuses on lesion characterization, reporting language, and biopsy prep to help you feel confident and accurate.
➤ Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN)
This field is ideal for sonographers drawn to maternal-fetal health. You’ll monitor pregnancies, identify complications, and support fertility care. Many sonographers love the emotional connection they build with patients during major life milestones.
The OB/GYN exam is known for its wide scope—from uterine pathology and IUD placement to fetal anomalies and placental health.
✅ Prepry’s OB/GYN Review walks you through fetal measurements, sonographic landmarks, and real-world case-based learning.
➤ Fetal Echocardiography (FE)
This advanced credential focuses on fetal heart structure, rhythm, and flow patterns. It’s commonly pursued after gaining OB/GYN or adult echo experience and is often required in Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) practices.
Sonographers describe fetal echo as highly specialized and intellectually stimulating—it requires a nuanced understanding of congenital heart disease and outflow tract imaging.
✅ Prepry’s Fetal Echo Review covers chamber views, heart rhythms, outflow tracts, and real fetal heart pathologies to help refine your skillset.
➤ Pediatric Sonography (PS)
Replaces the retired Neurosonology credential
Pediatric sonography includes imaging of the neonatal brain, spine, abdomen, hips, kidneys, and more. It reflects the growing need for credentialed pediatric-focused imaging professionals.
This field requires patience and adaptability—you’ll work with infants and children of all ages, often in NICU or emergency settings.
✅ Prepry’s Pediatric Review offers scan protocols, case studies, and neonatal-focused anatomy to help prepare you for this dynamic field.
❤️ RDCS®: Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer
Cardiac sonography is ideal for those who are detail-driven and passionate about heart health. After passing the SPI exam, candidates choose from three cardiac pathways:
➤ Adult Echocardiography (AE)
Evaluate valve function, chamber size, wall motion, and ejection fraction. You'll use M-mode, 2D, spectral and color Doppler.
Sonographers love adult echo for its clinical depth and direct impact—your work helps guide diagnoses like heart failure, valvular disease, and cardiomyopathies.
✅ Prepry’s Adult Echo Review reinforces pathology identification, Doppler interpretation, and quantitative measurements.
➤ Pediatric Echocardiography (PE)
Focuses on congenital heart defects in infants and children. This field often involves high-acuity NICU cases and pre-surgical planning.
Pediatric echo is described as deeply meaningful, with high responsibility and collaborative care alongside pediatric cardiologists.
➤ Fetal Echocardiography (FE)
This option is also available under RDCS, often pursued by echo-trained sonographers moving into MFM or prenatal cardiology clinics.
✅ Prepry supports both RDMS and RDCS fetal echo prep pathways.
🔄 RVT®: Registered Vascular Technologist
➤ Vascular Technology (VT)
Covers cerebrovascular (carotids), peripheral veins and arteries, abdominal vessels, and physiologic testing. You'll master Doppler physics and waveform interpretation.
Vascular sonographers often say they love how hands-on and cerebral the specialty is—combining real-time hemodynamics with detailed measurements to catch life-threatening pathology like DVT or carotid stenosis.
✅ Prepry’s Vascular Review includes waveform analysis, hemodynamic quiz sets, and real-world case applications.
💪 RMSKS®: Registered Musculoskeletal Sonographer
➤ Musculoskeletal Sonography (MSKS)
A newer and growing field, MSK sonography assesses tendons, joints, nerves, and muscles in real time. It’s commonly used in sports medicine, pain clinics, and orthopedics.
Sonographers pursuing MSKS love the dynamic aspect—you can scan during movement and watch real-time joint mechanics. It’s a great fit for those who enjoy biomechanics and orthopedic anatomy.
✅ Prepry’s MSK prep helps simplify complex anatomy and guide protocols for shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee, and more.
And finally...
🧠 SPI: Sonography Principles & Instrumentation
Did you know you passing of the SPI is required before you can move forward with other specialties? The SPI exam tests physics, bioeffects, Doppler, axial/lateral/elevational resolution, beam formation, and system optimization.
Many sonographers say SPI was the toughest part of the registry, but also the most foundational—understanding this material strengthens your performance in every other specialty.
✅ Prepry’s SPI prep includes interactive diagrams, flashcards, quiz games, and concept videos that make tough physics easier to retain.
📲 Prepry Supports These Specialties
Whether you're just starting out or aiming to double-certify, Prepry offers registry prep for ARDMS specialties:
SPI Physics
Abdomen, OB/GYN, Breast, and Pediatric Sonography
Adult and Fetal Echo
Vascular Sonography
Each path comes with tools like mock exams, real-time feedback, microlearning flashcards, and concept reinforcement.
👉 Explore the tools that thousands of sonographers trust at www.prepry.com
🧭 Ready to Find Your Specialty?
Sonographers are in high demand—and choosing your ARDMS specialty is the first step toward a career that’s personalized, purposeful, and impactful.
Whether you're drawn to the rhythm of the heart, the growth of new life, or the science of blood flow, there’s a certification that fits. And with Prepry, you don’t have to prep alone—we’re here to guide you all the way to passing your boards and beyond.
References
American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. (n.d.). Get certified: Explore ARDMS credentials and specialty exams. Retrieved June 7, 2025, from https://www.ardms.org/get-certified/
ESP Ultrasound. (n.d.). Finding your niche: Specialty fields in ultrasound. Educational Systems Programming, Inc. Retrieved June 7, 2025, from https://esp-inc.com/finding-your-niche-specialty-fields-in-ultrasound/
Prepry. (n.d.). Registry review platform for sonography and radiography students. Retrieved June 7, 2025, from https://www.prepry.com/